Question:
i am 9 weeks out and wondering if your protein shakes can count as a meal

   — lyne R. (posted on January 2, 2008)

January 1, 2008
Whey protein, 20+grams of protein per serving, no or low sugars in these protein shakes are designed for good protein supplement. You NEED regular foods to go through your digestion system, so you can have regular bathroom habits. It's all part of the process. I had my RNY in May, 2006, and I know this process works well. Eat small portions of food 3-4 times per day, and have one or two 20-25 gram protein shakes daily. Solid foods help you have regular bathroom habits, and I as well as man others use daily stool softeners to help out.
   — Dave Chambers

January 1, 2008
I am 8 weeks out today and have a 30 gm protein shake for breakfast every day. I ran this by my nutritionist and she OK'd it, as long as that was the only meal I used a shake for. Probably a wise rule of thumb that as long as your getting solid food for the other meals, one meal wouldn't hurt, but don't replace all or most of your meals with shakes.
   — Shirley D.

January 2, 2008
I can't do regular protein shakes but can do the low carb Slim Fast and my NUT said that was good for a meal, typically breakfast. Its quick and easy to grab when you are heading out the door. Just make sure you are getting in your solids too, which I'm sure you are. :) Good luck!
   — juliebelle0402

January 2, 2008
I also often have at least one of my protein shakes replace a meal. Usually breakfast or lunch. I'm still not that hungry around those times, so to just drink protein is ok. As a previous poster said, as long as your eating regular foods the rest of the time, it's all good.
   — crystalsno

January 2, 2008
First, at 9 weeks, your system is still slowly gaining the ability to process foods-- so using protein shakes (particularly ones that are vitamin-fortified) will provide you the calories and the protein you need, and will be tolerated much more easily. Second, your body needs protein, vitamins and minerals (along with calories) and some fiber. It is somewhat of a myth that you should only use "real" food-- protein shakes aren't "imaginary" and, if they have they the nutrition that you need, they are every bit a "meal" as two tablespoons of pureed chicken and a couple of spoons of sugar-free Jello. Third, if you were asking about if the shake could count as a meal because your program directs that you have a certain number of "meals" per day, recognize that the habit it is trying to teach you is to eat planned and scheduled meals to inhibit the potential for grazing-- whether you sit down with a half-cup of chili or a protein shake, the goal is to plan it, consume it slowly and be aware of everything that passes your lips.
   — SteveColarossi

January 2, 2008
Mine usually do. I have one while getting dressed for work because I have to be at work by 8 am. Then around 9 or so I have a cup of oatmeal. I have lunch at noon -- usually a salad or chili or chicken and a veggie.
   — the7thdean